Ruth Bowdre-Givens

Annie Ruth Bowdre-Givens, 86, of Colbert, Oklahoma passed away Tuesday, October 25, 2016, at the Southern Point Living Center in Colbert, Oklahoma. Ruth was born on January 19, 1930 in McLennan County, Texas. She was the daughter of Herman B. and Eula Annie (Murphy) Brown. Ruth was raised and received her education in Waco, Texas, later to moving to Denison, Texas. While residing there, Ruth attended Grayson College and obtained her qualifications as a nurse. During her childhood, Ruth was raised by her step-father, Troy Baker after her mother Eula married him in 1945.

Ruth was married to Elmer George Bowdre on July 27, 1947 in Cleveland, Oklahoma. Since George worked for M. K. T. Railroad, the couple followed his work with the railroad, working majority of the time in Denison, Texas. Upon George's retirement the couple moved from Cartwright, Oklahoma to Osage in 1990. During their marriage the couple had five children, Michael, Bobby, Terry, Billy and Shirley.

Ruth dedicated her life to taking care of her family and as a nurse and physical therapist. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and was an extremely caring person. She served as the Vice President of Texas Medical Center Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary for several years and also the President of the Candy Stripers for that organization.

Her husband, George preceded her in death on April 9, 1997. Prior to his death, the couple were active member of the First Baptist Church and the Gospel Lighthouse in Osage.

Ruth was married to Ralph Derword Givens on September 3, 1998 in Osage and resided in Osage until Ralph preceded her in death on September 1, 2003.

Ruth is survived by four sons, Michael G. Bowdre of Wichita, Kansas, Terry Lynn Bowdre of Cartwright, Oklahoma and Billy Gene Bowdre of Denison, Texas; six grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. in addition to her husband, Ruth was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Shirley R. Terwilleger.